Press Releases

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The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has purchased and transferred nearly 1,200 acres of land along Mark West Creek to Sonoma County Regional Parks to eventually open to the public as a park and open space preserve. Ag + Open Space worked with local landowners for over 15 years to preserve this area northeast of Santa Rosa. Regional Parks will begin the process of planning for a permanent park opening.

Sonoma County Regional Parks is hosting a talk by mountain lion researcher Quinton Martins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Windsor Regional Library. The session will provide information on the movement, diet and behavior of mountain lions tracked by the “Living with Lions” project, a community conservation project Martins leads for Audubon Canyon Ranch.

In honor of Veterans Day, military members and veterans will receive free parking at all Sonoma County Regional Parks for the upcoming holiday weekend. Passes are available in advance at Sonoma County Regional Parks’ main office and Sonoma County Veterans Service Office and from Nov. 3 through the holiday weekend at the staffed entrances to Spring Lake, Doran and Ragle Ranch parks.

Sonoma County Regional Parks has recruited some assistance for fire prevention and invasive species removal: sheep. A flock of sheep will spend the next five weeks grazing along the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail near Sebastopol, removing dry vegetation and non-native plant species.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, July 10, to introduce an ordinance that will place on the Nov. 6 ballot a one-eighth-cent sales tax measure for regional and local park improvements. If approved by voters, the sales tax would support the county and cities with their long-term needs to maintain parks, protect natural resources, reduce wildfire risks, provide health and recreation programs, and open new parks and trails.

Sonoma County Regional Parks on Tuesday, 6/5, reopened the Joe Rodota Trail between Dutton and Roseland avenues after completing a multi-day cleanup of an illegal homeless encampment. The trail was closed May 30 to allow the county of Sonoma and city of Santa Rosa to reestablish a safe and clean trail for pedestrians and cyclists. During the closure, approximately 100 illegal campers were notified of the need to move, with the last occupants leaving June 1.

The public is invited to celebrate the opening and dedication of Andy’s Unity Park at 3399 Moorland Avenue in southwest Santa Rosa from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 2. The afternoon will include a rich program of community speakers, music, food, children’s activities, dancers, drummers, art projects, yoga, skateboard demonstrations, and booths hosted by local organizations.

Sonoma County Regional Parks is preparing a master plan to develop a vision for Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach and invites the public to share feedback on potential improvements for the Russian River park. A workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. June 7 at the park, 13839 Old Redwood Highway, is the first of several opportunities the public will have to help guide the park’s redevelopment and natural resource management.

Sonoma County Regional Parks launches its 2018 summer aquatics season on Saturday, May 26, with the opening of Santa Rosa's Spring Lake swimming lagoon – including the popular inflatable, floating playground – and boat rentals on the lake.

In partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks, the Sonoma County Library is offering for check-out a limited number of parking passes that give library cardholders free access to Spring Lake, Doran Beach, Taylor Mountain, Ragle Ranch and the other 50-plus regional parks.

In honor of Veterans Day, military members and veterans will receive free parking at all Sonoma County Regional Parks for the upcoming holiday weekend. Active duty, veteran and retired military personnel and their families will be able to visit county parks and trails with a special pass that waives the regular $7 day-use parking fee from Friday, Nov. 10, through Monday, Nov. 13.

The following Regional Parks remain closed due to the impacts of the Sonoma County wildfires: Hood Mountain Regional Park & Preserve, Shiloh Ranch Regional Park, Sonoma Valley Regional Park, and Tom Schopflin Fields. We have cancelled all programs through Nov. 1 to allow staff to address the immediate needs of the wildfire disaster.

Like so many in Sonoma County, our current priority at Regional Parks is to assist public safety efforts and support the well-being of our team members during this wildfire emergency. Read more for details on status of parks impacted by wildfires.

Regional Parks’ fall activities guide is now available and features dozens of new hikes, family outings and special events. The guide brings together information for dozens of activities planned in September, October and November, many of them offered for the first time and many of them free.

Regional Parks is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, August 23, to review and invite feedback on a draft master plan update for Larson Park in Sonoma. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Flowery School Multi-purpose room at 17600 Highway 12 in Sonoma.

Sonoma County Regional Parks is hosting a community meeting July 12 to review and invite feedback on a draft master plan update for Maxwell Farms Regional Park in Sonoma. The meeting is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club inside the park at 100 W. Verano Ave.

The swimming beach on the Russian River at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is open for the summer, with the addition of an inflatable water slide and tube rentals. Regional Parks this week installed a seasonal dam on the river to create a swimming area just south of the historic, steel-truss Memorial Bridge. Swim zones are clearly marked and staffed with lifeguards daily through Labor Day. New daily features at the beach are tube rentals ($5 a day) and the "Zoom Floom," an inflatable water slide that lets riders whoosh down the sandy beach and into the river. All-day access to the slide is $5 per person. (Children must be 6 or older.) Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sonoma County Regional Parks kicks off its fourth-annual Trails Challenge on Saturday, June 3, with a fun run and party that also celebrates Regional Parks’ 50th anniversary and National Trails Day. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ragle Ranch Regional Park, 500 Ragle Road, in Sebastopol and features a run/walk sponsored by Fleet Feet, a family-friendly scavenger hunt, guided hike, live music, nature crafts, lawn games, barbecue, foods from local producers, cake, prizes, and giveaways.

Regional Parks is seeking public input on a proposed mitigated negative declaration/initial study for the Sonoma Valley Regional Park Expansion Master Plan. Comments on the adequacy of the study’s environmental analysis will be accepted through June 12, 2017. The park's master plan is being expanded to include trails and natural resource management for two parcels added to the park over the past decade.

Sonoma County Regional Parks launches its 2017 summer aquatics season on Saturday, May 27, with the opening of the Spring Lake swimming lagoon – including the popular inflatable, floating playground – and new boat rentals on the lake.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has selected Bert Whitaker as the new director of Regional Parks. Whitaker has served as parks manager since 2007. Regional Parks has approximately 200 employees and a budget of $26 million.

Sonoma County Regional Parks is developing a master plan for future recreation opportunities and environmental protections for North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. The public is invited to learn more and share ideas at a workshop scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. April 27 at the Bennett Valley Guild Hall, 4145 Grange Road, Santa Rosa, 95404.

The Sonoma Land Trust on March 3, 2017 donated the 1,665-acre Tolay Creek Ranch to Sonoma County Regional Parks. The property is adjacent to Tolay Lake Regional Park, and its donation doubles the size of the park complex. Once at risk for subdivision and vineyard development, the Tolay Creek property features sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, dazzling wildflower displays, and plenty of space for hiking.

The Sonoma Land Trust on March 3, 2017 donated the 1,665-acre Tolay Creek Ranch to Sonoma County Regional Parks. The property is adjacent to Tolay Lake Regional Park, and its donation doubles the size of the park. Once at risk for subdivision and vineyard development, the Tolay Creek property features sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, dazzling wildflower displays, and plenty of space for hiking.

Sonoma County parks and trails are now open. Due to the amount of flooding, clean-up efforts will continue at some locations and the beach staircase at the Pebble Beach Coastal Access Trail is estimated to re-open by summer.

Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Caryl Hart has announced her resignation effective June 20, 2017. Hart has led the department since 2010, overseeing the operations of 56 parks, trails and beaches and a staff of 200 full-time and seasonal employees.

The report evaluates potential impacts of implementing the master plan and recommends ways to reduce or avoid those impacts. The master plan provides a blueprint for the future of the 3,400-acre park southeast of Petaluma. It consists of conceptual plans for trails and recreational activities, management of natural and cultural resources, and other recommendations for the park’s future use and operations.